Shipston storm to comeback KO (From Cotswold Journal)

Shipston storm to comeback KO

3:00pm Sunday 20th May 2012 in Cricket

SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR recovered from the perilous position of 3-2 to defeat Exhall and Wixford by 36 runs in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division.

Following their poor start, the hosts went on to post a creditable 165-9, thanks to an unbeaten 84 from Jack Murphy, before restricting Exhall to 129-8.

Arriving at the crease after only four deliveries after Julian Morris (0) had been trapped in front by Jon Simpson, Murphy batted throughout the 45 overs, sharing valuable partnerships of 47 with skipper Gary Betteridge (17), 43 with Craig Robins (22) and 31 with Matthew Pratt (6).

In reply, Dave Saker (3-20) opened the bowling with Marcus Ireland and they accounted for David Mullett (6) and Stephen Kerby (2) to put Exhall on the back foot. Charlie Mulraine (2) became Saker’s second victim and, at 21-3 from 11 overs, Shipston were very much on top.

Simon Hollands and Matt Gwynne looked to be the visitors’ key partnership but debutant Luke Canning claimed the former for seven, caught behind by Richard Glover for 49-4.

Gwynne was joined by Chris Pierson and the pair added 43 before the former (53) went one ball after completing his halfcentury.

With 11 overs left and 62 still needed, the result remained in the balance but when Martin Park (7) was needlessly run out off a no-ball and Pierson (14) followed soon after, the game was as good as over.

Shipston seconds suffered a heavy 130-run defeat at FISSC in Division Two.

Visiting skipper Tom Cox elected to field first after winning the toss and Shipston felt they were on top at 130-5.

Supported by McKee (26 not out) and Matt Hyatt (25), Malcolm, who had been dropped in single figures, made 60 as he helped lift FISSC to 206-7 from their 45 overs. Roger Wickson finished with 3-41.

In reply, opener Sam Hince was caught behind for 0 off the first ball he faced and the departures of Cox (7) and Harper (5) had the visitors on 23-3.

Alex Welsby made 24 but Bryan (0), Righton (13) and Wickson (10) all perished as Shipston were dismissed for just 76.